Disappointment will motivate us – Hughton

Albion boss Chris Hughton says the disappointment of missing out on promotion will be the motivation for next season.

The Seagulls missed out on automatic promotion into the Premier League only on goal difference and then lost 3-1 on aggregate to Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

Hughton is excited about the challenges ahead after signing a new four-year contract with Albion earlier this week and said: “I’m absolutely delighted to agree a new contract. I was involved with a team that has made great progress and come very close, and now I’m really excited about the challenges of next season.

“We will make sure the massive disappointment that everyone felt on Monday after such a good campaign acts as our motivation for next season.”

Hughton was named the LMA Championship manager of the season this week and Seagulls chairman Tony Bloom has praised Hughton for the job he has done since taking over at Brighton on New Year’s Eve 2014.

He said: “Chris has done an exceptional job since he took over as manager.

“He secured our safety in his first five months in charge and has instigated an outstanding turnaround in our fortunes on the pitch.

“He has overseen the building of a squad of which we are immensely proud, and one which has delivered a season to remember for our fans. He also has led the club off the pitch too, at important and difficult times, and we are very proud to have him as manager.

“There is no doubt he is one of the best and most skillful managers in the country.

“We are delighted to be going into next season with Chris at the helm and leading our club as we aim to go one step further and realise our ultimate aim of reaching the Premier League.”

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